For Clay Jenkins, the most frustrating part of being Dallas County judge is avoiding the perception that he’s controlled by longtime Commissioner John Wiley Price.

Seems like every time the Commissioners Court starts finding a rhythm, something happens to remind residents about Republicans’ warning when Jenkins and County Commissioner Elba Garcia were elected in 2010: Price now runs the Commissioners Court.

Like any confident person, Jenkins believes he’s in charge. The Highland Park lawyer has ignored whispers to the contrary and focused on problems facing the county, like improving Parkland Hospital and making government efficient.

But all of that gets lost when Price has an episode.

Last week Price stunned onlookers by snatching the gavel away from Jenkins as the judge tried to control one of those familiar bickering sessions among commissioners.

The incident once again showed that Price, for that moment at least, did not respect Jenkins’ authority.

And it left Jenkins to answer familiar questions about his relationship with Price and ponder how to deal with such matters in the future.

Cantrell was scolding Dickey hard. Price, well known as not one of her fans, wanted to hear more.

In reflex, Jenkins snatched the gavel back, a move that could prove to be an important symbol down the line.

But for now, the old storyline is back in play. It had recently surfaced over barriers erected in the court, on Jenkins’ order, just after new questions were raised about a federal investigation of Price.

By now, Jenkins realizes that bringing decorum to the Commissioners Court is a tougher job than it looks.

The court is filled with folks who despise each other. Dickey and Cantrell are rivals in the same party. Price and Dickey don’t get along.

The core alliance on the court is among the three Democrats — Jenkins, Price and Garcia.

Because Price is the longest-serving and most powerful commissioner on the court, he is thought by many observers to control his alliances.

When Jenkins came along, residents knew little about the trial lawyer from Waxahachie who in 2008 was Barack Obama’s voter protection attorney in North Texas.

He came out of obscurity to run for county judge, endorsed by state Sen. Royce West, U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson and Price. Before he ran for office, he got encouragement from Ron Kirk, the U.S. trade representative and former Dallas mayor.

That Jenkins was running in the primary against lightly regarded incumbent Democrat Jim Foster and underfunded Democrat Larry Duncan helped his effort.

Once he got the support of the Democratic establishment, his victory over Republican Wade Emmert in the general election was all but certain, even as the GOP’s tea party tide pushed across the nation.

But the public’s first major look at Jenkins came amid controversy.

With the help of Price, he pressured former Dallas County Elections Administrator Bruce Sherbet to resign. Allies and critics alike took that as a sign Price was in charge. What wasn’t known at the time was that Jenkins, even before elected, had privately considered making changes in the elections department.

But once Price got involved, none of that mattered.

Sherbet was popular with Democrats and Republicans alike, and he didn’t go quietly. So now, when there’s an embarrassing incident on the court involving Price, Jenkins will be reminded of the Sherbet incident, the worst public relations move of his term.

But he’ll be helped by a changing dynamic on the court. In January, Dickey is expected to be replaced by Theresa Daniel, who is likely to beat Republican Larry Miller.

Though Democrats will have a supermajority, the Democratic vote on some issues is likely to be split. Cantrell, the last remaining Republican, may be a swing vote.

Then there are Price’s legal problems. The federal investigation into his business and political dealings threatens his career.

Jenkins will have ample opportunity to make his own imprint on county government.

How he does it will determine if voters give him another term in 2014, or his once rising star collapses from the weight of Price — at the moment, his biggest burden.

Follow Gromer Jeffers Jr. on Twitter at @gromerjeffers.

NOTES: Hutchison stays busy this summer

I caught up with retiring Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison last week at state Rep. Dan Branch’s July 4 party.

The pioneering Republican said she been extremely busy in the Senate and just finished her annual bus tour through parts of Texas.

Hutchison said she will do some surrogate work for Republican Senate candidates running in November.

Romney to speak in Houston this week

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney will be in Houston on Wednesday to address the national convention of the NAACP. Vice President Joe Biden speaks to the group Thursday. Obama is not scheduled to appear.

Villalba getting boost in campaign

Republican Jason Villalba is getting help in his runoff against former state Rep. Bill Keffer from some local heavyweights. Hutchison headlines a fundraiser Friday in Dallas. Other hosts are U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Flower Mound, state Sen. Florence Shapiro, R-Plano, and council member Ann Margolin.

Villalba and Keffer are in a July 31 GOP runoff for the House District 114 seat in Dallas being vacated by retiring Republican Will Hartnett.

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About Gromer Jeffers Jr.

Most unforgettable experience on the job: Covering the 2008 presidential race, including the dramatic primary contest between Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton. I was with John McCain for his final campaign stand and classy concession speech.

Something people don't know about me: Was once the lead singer in a Chicago
gospel quartet.

If I had two spare hours, I would: Play poker in the Wrigley Field bleachers
during a Cubs game.

The secret of a good news column is: One part news. One part
yourself.